Banquo’s Ghost

Question 1

Effect of B’s ghost on Macbeths mind

Answer 1

• The appearance of Banquo’s ghost is a manifestation of Macbeth’s conscience
• Despite his confidence in committing the murder, the humane part of him, the
  moral part of him cannot get over it, worsening his psychological condition.
• He is going crazy

Question 2

Macbeths response to the ghost

Answer 2

• His shouting at the ghost to “quit my sight” and the earth to “hide thee” again
  shows how he cannot cope with this supernatural presence of an event he has helped to create.
• He tries to be logical by stating “thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold”, but he cannot get over that his “firm nerves” tremble at the sight of him.